For many people, a hip replacement is an opportunity to restore mobility and reduce pain after battling it for years. Yet, the hip replacement process takes time, and it may be as long as three to six months before you feel back to normal.
During that time, you’ll need to be prepared for the healing process and how to ease back into life in a safe way.
What to Expect Right After Surgery
After your procedure, it’s critical to follow the recommendations set by your doctor. Your doctor is likely to provide you with precise wound-care instructions, medications to take for the time being, and physical therapy recommendations. The closer you stick to this, the better.
The first few days after surgery, you may notice the following:
- You’ll need some recovery time the first couple of days, but you’ll still need to keep moving every 30 minutes to an hour to keep blood circulating in the area and to help strengthen muscles.
- About three to four days later, you’ll likely be able to walk around with more ease. If you’ve been discharged from the hospital, be sure you’re not alone during this time. You’ll want to have some close by in case you need some support.
- Itching may become a factor. The incision may become difficult to avoid scratching since you are likely not allowed to shower yet. Try to avoid scratching as much as possible.
By six to eight weeks after the procedure, you will likely no longer be taking medication, and you might be back to your usual activities or even more. You’ll still likely need some rehabilitation to help you with strengthening your muscles and improving balance.
What to Look Out For
As you work to heal, you’ll want to be mindful of what’s occurring in your body. Keep in mind that movement is paramount to avoiding blood clots. Some other things you may need to watch for include:
- A fever
- Any drainage at the site of the incision, which could be an infection
- Pain that worsens; though moving may hurt at first, it should improve over time
- Dizziness or passing out
- Falls or slips
- Signs of a blood clot, such as swelling, cramps, reddish to bluish skin coloring, areas of warmth
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
Give yourself some time and patience, and work with your physical therapist carefully to ensure the best possible recovery. That includes staying active within the guidelines provided by your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of complications like the ones listed above.
Find the Supplies You Need at Simply Medical
While hip replacements take time, it’s always essential to ensure you have all of the supplies necessary to manage the process within reach, from wound care supplies to a hip equipment kit that gives you everything you need to manage your limited mobility.
Check out Simply Medical for home healthcare supplies and beneficial product information to help you manage your hip replacement.